Losing a friend is hard. But, one can hope out of the sorrow to find feelings of friendship and inspiration that will last a lifetime. It’s even more profound to be able to share those feelings and meaning of someone’s life & work with others. That’s part of the solace found by filmmaker Stormy Pyeatte following the death of her friend, Colorado artist Zina Lahr.

Xaviera Simmons, a 2013 Featured Artist at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, discusses her work, process, inspirations and vision. Simmons works in photography, installation, multi-media and audio. She also enjoys working in the American west and much of her work investigates social, political and personal narratives. Simmons gave an artist lecture at the Ranch on August 8th and had a piece of work in the Ranch's Annual Live Art Auction on August 10th (pictured). To find more of Simmons's work, visit her gallery's website.